England U21s netball star’s unusual journey to lead North Queensland United in Ruby North
When Claudia Heath came to Australia for love, she had no idea she would have the opportunity to lead North Queensland into a new era of netball. Read more about the NQU skipper’s journey from East Yorkshire.
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When former England U21s netball star Claudia Heath came to Australia for love, she had no idea she would have the opportunity to lead North Queensland into a new era of the sport in Townsville.
The East Yorkshire product has taken Townsville’s Premier League netball by storm in 2025, leading Saints to a 6-0 undefeated start to the year with her lockdown defence playing a key part in the success of the side.
Typically playing all four quarters at GK or GD, the tough and tall defender has an incredible ability to win turnovers and claim rebounds with her physical approach.
North Queensland United (NQU) selectors quickly took notice of the sensational shot-stopper, naming her captain of the inaugural Ruby North squad.
Heath, 27, said it was an honour to earn that recognition as part of such a strong team.
“The girls are great. There’s such a high calibre of players, we have such a wide variety,” she said.
“There’s a big vary of ages as well, I’m definitely the oldest by far but I’m very grateful. I think the experience behind me puts me in a good position to help out the younger girls.
“We’re so excited for this weekend and to be captain as well for the very first NQU team, I’m really grateful for that.”
Heath grew up in Northern England and she started playing when she was young, earning international selection for England’s under-19s and under-21s teams including going on a tour of Jamaica.
But the chance to move to Australia when her partner accepted a job with the North Queensland Cowboys was something she couldn’t say no to.
“That’s a question that people keep asking quite frequently – why Townsville? We’ve just come over because my partner is a coach for the Cowboys, so we got the opportunity through himself, which we’re really grateful for,” Heath said.
Heath’s partner Dan Grange is the Cowboys’ head of strength and conditioning after joining the club for the 2025 season following stints as lead strength and conditioning coach at the Leeds Rhinos and Gloucester (rugby union).
NQU will play its first official games this weekend as part of Netball Queensland’s newly minted Ruby North competition.
The first of four hub weekends is being held in Rockhampton, where NQU will take on the Far North Flames, Capricorn Claws and Mackay Monarchs.
Heath said she was excited to hit the court with some of the region’s brightest prospects – including a number of teenage talents.
“There’s a couple of teenagers in there and they’re just amazing. People like Mia Solomona, they’re such high level players, I don’t doubt they’ll do great things in the future,” she said.
“Hopefully, if we have a successful season now and get enough sponsors, the girls can push on and maybe get to the upper leagues in a few years’ time. It’s a great opportunity for the younger girls to get seen by people outside of North Queensland.”
“Speed is definitely one of our strengths. We have a lot of quick girls in our team.
“If I’m really honest, we’re not a tall team, we’re not really massive, but our strengths are definitely speed and fitness, so we just need to sort of capitalise on that.”
Ruby North netball begins this weekend, with NQU launching its campaign against the Capricorn Claws on Saturday at 9am.
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Originally published as England U21s netball star’s unusual journey to lead North Queensland United in Ruby North
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